Ah…that perfect age where you can’t tell for sure, and it remains a mystery.

Where were you living at the time?

In the Los Angeles area.

What music videos, shows, or movies had you appeared in prior to that?

Mostly modeling. A few commercials, a few game shows.

early 1980s

How were you cast in “Change”?

I auditioned by meeting the director and discussing the character.

Do you remember what your reaction was when you were cast?

Yes, surprised and happy to hear so quickly.

Were you a John Waite fan?

I only knew a few Babys songs. Hadn’t heard him solo since “Change” was [the first single] from his first solo album.

Where was the video filmed?

On a sound stage in Hollywood. Sets were built inside to look like exteriors.

How long was the shoot?

The shoot took two full days. Very early starts and late wraps…typical hours for music videos.

How did you feel making the video?

It was surreal. My character was distraught, so I was thinking about that, and what she might be like.

What was the hardest part of the shoot?

Keeping the tears rolling and jumping off the building ledge. For the fall, we had two takes with no rehearsal.

How was it to work with John? What was he like? Did he hit on you?

John was very professional. I don’t remember having much dialogue during the shoot hours. No, he didn’t hit on me. We, the whole cast and crew, had a little time at the end of it all to hang out a bit. Very cool.

Any funny stories from the shoot?

Can’t remember any funny stories, but people do like to ask about the lines of powder on the mirror…I think it may have been cornstarch.

Anything go wrong on the shoot?

Nothing went wrong that I was aware of. I think it went smoothly. Maybe I just couldn’t tell through all the fog and tears.

What did you think of the video?

I thought it was unique to the genre at that time. Shot to look like a movie with a story, rather than musicians playing—it was different and I liked that.

What did your parents think of it?

I’m sure they were pleased, happy I was getting work.

What did your friends think of it?

Hopefully everybody thought it was pretty cool.

Did you watch the MTV World Premiere of the video, and if so, where and how did that feel?

Wish I had! No, didn’t get to see it till probably a year later when I was given a copy. Couldn’t get MTV where I lived.

Did you receive fan mail? If so, do you still have any of it?

Not back then. I do now, and that’s sometimes pretty funny.

What were you paid?

I was paid a daily rate, good for the times.

Were you ever recognized in public?

I was recognized often, but for the first year, I didn’t know it was on such heavy rotation, so it was unexpected.

Did you appear in other music videos after that?

Sure. I was playing in bands. We all loved making videos.

later in the 1980s

What are some of the other ‘80s videos you appeared in?

The other music videos from the ‘80s that I was in were promos for unsigned bands. As far as I know, none were played on MTV.

I did a national Kodak commercial, cast as the lead singer in a band that was meant to premiere on Oscars night (mid-’80s). That would have been something, but the product had a flaw and the commercial never aired. Oh well.

Did you ever meet other women who were female leads in a mainstream ‘80s rock video?

Sometimes on other auditions. Can’t remember anyone specifically.

If you went to college, where and what did you study?

I studied video production; thought I might want to host a music show.

What are you doing these days?

I’ve been working as a member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. I sing and dance, play guitar. Just finishing a CD of my own music with bandmates.

Where can people buy your CD/songs?

I’m hoping to finish a few more tracks for my album [in 2014]. For now I have a five-tune teaser CD (released at the end of 2013) but not yet set up to sell online. Soon, I hope.

Where do you live?

Still a Cali girl.

If you are/were married, what was your future husband’s reaction when he learned you were in this video?

Any work that had success was great!

Willing to be more specific about whether or not you’re married and/or have kids?

Got married ages ago, decided to not have children, but have spent many years rescuing animals, so I have had a lot of furry adoptions.

What did you think when you first heard from me?

I’m always pleasantly surprised when anyone takes the time to contact me to talk about the video or current projects.

Has anyone else ever interviewed you about this?

I’ve done interviews, but none as in-depth about “Change” as this one. ; )

Have you appeared at any fan conventions to sign autographs? If not, would you?

I would if they fit in our touring schedule.

Did you stay in touch with John?

No. I have run into him on occasion, usually because of a performance, maybe a meet-n-greet.

How do you look back on the experience?

It is a piece of pop culture history that I’m proud to have been a part of.

* Fairy Spell: How Two Girls Convinced the World That Fairies Are Real (nonfiction picture book about the two girls in WWI England took photos of what they claimed were real fairies); illustrated by Eliza Wheeler; Clarion (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

* Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War II Story (nonfiction picture book about the unprecedented accomplishment—and redemption—of the first person to bomb the U.S. mainland from a plane); illustrated by Melissa Iwai; Clarion (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

“[N]o library in the world could object to the book’s style and panache. [T]his is one biography that’s going to lure the kids like nothing else. More fun than any children’s biography has any right to be”—Fuse #8 (School Library Journal; four out of five stars)

“Fascinating”—Horn Book

“Sure to become a classic example of the genre”—Families Online

“Wonderful…young readers…will find this…title appealing and thereby ensure that future generations recall the amazing story behind Superman’s creation as well. Wait, did I say ‘recall’? Strike that—make it ‘will be inspired by’ instead. This book is that good”—Firefox News

“[T]ouching... The illustrated section...is upbeat, entertaining, and informative...the [well-crafted] afterword shows the shadow side of the great American dream. ...Nobleman is equally adept at both stories”—Boston Globe

“Surprisingly poignant”—San Francisco Chronicle

“Haunting”—Geek Monthly

“Excellent”—GeekDad (WIRED)

“A-minus”—A.V. Club

“The best and most accurate depiction of their lives in print”—Brad Ricca, documentary filmmaker, Last Son, and later author of Super Boys

“Engrossing...wonderful”—Scripps Howard News Service

“I was completely mesmerized by this book from the first instant I opened it. I loved every page, and every word. Boys of Steel transported me; it made me feel young; it moved me to tears. Honest to God, it did! It caused my black heart to melt. The book is absolutely fantastic, the book is tremendous, the book is a huge achievement”—Robby Reed, DIAL B for BLOG

"Sometimes the most inconsequential episodes in larger stories can turn out to be the most moving, and so it is with Thirty Minutes Over Oregon … a thought-provoking meditation on the power of forgiveness"

—New York Times Book Review

"Engrossing and unexpectedly touching … lovely story of reconciliation"

—Wall Street Journal

"Powerful and poignant...a must-read"

—Kirkus Reviews

"Such a cool story...remarkable... We...need this book right now"

—Fuse #8 (School Library Journal)

"Nobleman knows just the right tone to strike with this story, and he unfolds its events with a storyteller's flair. … There are several lessons here, organically made, and kids who come for the wartime action will be pulled along to the book's ultimately pacific message"

—Horn Book

"An important and breathtaking book"

—Colby Sharp book talk video

"Clearly written...moving... This quiet story is less about war than the toll it takes on those who fight, the possibility of reconciliation, and the value of understanding other cultures. A war story with a heartening conclusion"

—Booklist

"Respectful and balanced"

—Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books

"This is a remarkable story...a story to be remembered, forever. You will be moved"

Praise for "Fairy Spell"

"A rich overview of this bizarre historical controversy… deftly navigates topics like childhood in the early 20th century, the media and the influence of celebrity culture, and the history of photography … a strong nonfiction choice"

—School Library Journal

"With a crisp and engaging style, Nobleman relates this fascinating story… Young readers are bound to be intrigued"

—Horn Book

"Engaging ... A fascinating introduction to one of the greatest hoaxes of all time, deftly pitched to elementary-age children"

—Kirkus Reviews

"Will leave children guessing until the end"

—Publishers Weekly

"A seamless blend of both frolics and facts fuels suspense ... part accidental trickster tale, part unforgettable fairy tale, all true, this will have kids reaching for cameras of their own in no time"

—Booklist

Praise for "Brave Like My Brother"

Honors:

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Other coverage:

"History lovers will find a lot of new information here…Nobleman keeps the suspense tight"—Horn Book

"Always steers clear of melodrama. A good option"—Booklist

"Thoroughly engaging on every account...excels in every regard"—Times Herald (MI)

"A lovely read and a glimpse into the bond between brothers through an exchange of letters. Grab a tissue for the ending"—Lindsey Anderson, Good Reads

"A gentle introduction to WWII although it does pack a bit of an emotional wallop"—Barbara, Good Reads